The Vision Hole

‘Are we ready?’

‘Yes boss’

‘Are the deceased family ready’

‘Almost boss, we are just chasing up the child, only as a standby and only if we need an extra push’

‘So, what family have we got?’

Unrolling an endless parchment roll the creature with the ears of an elf and the face of a chubby two-year-old human child. He tilted his glasses a little down his nose to study the roll more closely. Standing no more than two feet tall he was an absolute delight.

‘Says here we have a mother, father and husband number three, boss and a young brother’

‘Let’s be sure on the husband number we don’t want another balls up like Mrs Hemingway’

The creature gave an adorable little giggle.

‘Enough of that, you might think its funny, but poor Mrs Hemingway certainly didn’t, we nearly didn’t get her out when she spotted the wrong husband. So, no mishaps, double check the husbands’ number and the relationship state’

‘Yes boss, sorry boss. Yes, there was definitely three husbands, and husband number three and her were on good terms and still married at the time of his passing’

‘Standing by, won’t be long now and we will make an attempt at abstraction’ the boss was twiddling with dials. He was pushing buttons and turning nobs.

‘Oh, this could be a tough one boss, look at all that family’ the creature pointed his spindling finger as he leaned into the vision hole.

‘It might be ok, let’s just try’

‘Deceased family get in close. Mother and father reach out your hands. Talk to her’

‘Come on darling, yes, it’s mum, it’s your time, we are here to get you. No more pain and suffering, please our daughter come with us’ The dying woman opened her eyes. She looked up it was clear she could see her parents. Her family gathered around her tightly. Daughters, sons, siblings and grandchildren and great grandchildren all trying to comfort her and keep her for as long as they could. Not ready to let her go.

’Husband get in there, speak up man for gods sake! Make an effort’ the boss shouted.

’Come on my love, it’s time to go, they will be ok without you, your job here is done, they are strong, you are old and weak now, my love it’s time’ he stretched his arms out.

‘Please take my hand ‘ he begged.

‘I think she’s smiling’ one of the grieving said as they stroked her forehead and held her hand tighter.

‘It’s ok Nan, we are here, we love you’

‘We are losing her’ the boss leaned in for a closer look.

The woman slumped back against her pillows. The pain shooting through her entire body. The voices of her loved ones surrounded her, soothing her. The gentle feel of their hands in her skin. She didn’t want to leave them, but the pain was so unbearable.

‘Prepare to try again, whilst the pain level is at its peak, ready go, give it your all family’

‘Come on my daughter, come to us, we will take that pain away’ they reached as far as they were permitted into the vision hole.

‘Come on love you can do it’

‘Should we give the little brother a go, boss ?’

‘It can’t help, step up kid, get your sister out’

A child no more then 7 stepped forward sheepishly. He leaned over staring into the vision hole. His whole face lit up with a smile from ear to ear at seeing his sister. Mary let out a scream of pain. The child ran terrified back to his mother’s safe embrace.

’Its ok son, your sister’s pain will subside when we get her out’ the one known as the boss took the boys hand and led him to the hole.

‘Mary, Mary’ he squeaked in his little 7 year old voice.

She couldn’t hear him over the grieving family. The deceased family tried again and again. Stretching their arms out to their dying daughter. Calling and pleading, but the human family bond was so strong. It held her back, even with all the pain and pure agony she was suffering she was choosing to stay with her family.

‘What can we do boss, I’ve never seen one so stubborn, have you?’

‘Unfortunately, I have’

‘How did you get them to ascend’

‘Can you keep a secret?’

‘Yes, I can boss’

‘Then one day I may tell you’

He gave a little laugh which was unusual.

‘Ok everyone out, times up’

‘We can’t just give up, boss, please can’t we just keep trying?’ The little creature begged, with tears in his eyes.

‘No one is giving up, just changing tracks’

‘Oh ok, I guess, can I stay?’

‘Hmm, I’m not sure your ready to learn the next step to unsuccessful ascendence’

He rubbed his chin.

‘Give me some time to give it some thought’

He ushered the little creature out and closed the door.

He sat looking into the vision tunnel. He had to do something he never enjoyed, no matter how much it was needed.

Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply.

‘Mary Smith, can you hear me?’

The old lady’s eyes flew open. She could hear a male voice. Not in the room, but inside her mind. It scared her, it blocked out the sight and sound of her grieving family.

‘Mary Smith, it is time to leave your earthly body. Your life on earth is finished. Be aware there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop this. I suggest you relax and give in to the white light. The alternative is very unpleasant’

Mary flung her head from side to side, attempting to remove the voice.

‘No, I won’t go’ she managed to mumble.

‘Nan, you don’t have to go anywhere, stay with us’

‘The only choice you have Mary, is nicely or extremely painfully’

Mary’s body racked with pain, shaking and convulsing, finally it was over, and Mary lay still and silent. She had made her choice.